Spending time with friends, family

On Tuesday I left for vacation–although thanks to modern communication, I will still be performing most of my typical duties for the newspaper. As part of my preparations, and because I will be out of town for a while, I decided I would spend the time prior to my departure cramming in as much family and friend time as possible. Beginning this week of interactions was my New Year’s celebration. 

 

My friends and I gathered at Paul and Heather’s house in Rochester. Part of my vacation includes being a groomsman at Paul’s wedding in Miami, Florida, on Jan. 24. 

 

I brought charcuterie goodies, including fancy cheeses and meats and crackers and jam and fruits. Only Paul was brave enough to try goat cheese. It is excellent. 

 

We spent the evening playing games, enjoying each other’s company. However, since it is more than an hour’s drive to Rochester, I did not actually stay until midnight, but left around 11:30. 

 

I brought in the New Year during the drive home, talking with my father. This got me thinking about past new year evenings and how they were spent. 

 

I thought about my deceased best friend. 

 

Many New Years were spent with him. His dad gave me a Christmas gift this year, a nice framed photo which is now hanging in my office. 

 

I remember bringing in the New Year with my dad, growing up. My earliest memory is from the year 2000. I remember the year flipping over felt like a big deal as a kid. 

 

I don’t have much more to report on New Year celebrations. They were really just an excuse to stay up late with the family. 

 

Thursday, New Year’s Day, was spent with friends at the game store, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company.

 

Friday, lunch with my favorite Russian, Mikhail. We talked about my upcoming trip, his/the community's biggest achievements in 2025 and upcoming goals for 2026. 

 

Saturday I spent the afternoon with my mother. I recently wrote about my dad’s impact on my life. I need to credit my mother. She gave me my first job at the newspaper. 

 

My mom stood up for me as a young employee to my father who was much more strict. He tried to fire me numerous times, always for reasons other than my job performance. 

 

I helped my mom start the Janesville Journal. Without the knowledge of how she started that paper, I do not know if I would have started the Waseca County Pioneer.

 

Thank you, Mom.

 

Also on Saturday, I had a late lunch with Deb Bently. We discussed work, life and my upcoming trip. 

 

I am leaving to visit a friend in Philadelphia for a week. After that I will be driving to Florida for my friend's wedding, and also to visit my friends Kyle and Anastasiia. Coincidentally Deb and sister-in-law Joan are going to Florida at the end of January. So, I asked if she would like to go to the Everglades in Southern Florida together. She said yes. After that, I will return home during the first week of February. During this time I will work remotely. This is the first time in two years I’ve taken a vacation like this. I am looking forward to the break. My body hurts, my head hurts and I’m ready for some warmer weather. I will report on my excursions as I take them. 

 

Sunday I spent watching football with my friend Mark. Monday, I had lunch with my best friend Jane before finishing work and packing. 

 

I feel happy, rejuvenated, and excited for 2026.